Night of Polish dance, food

The Lowiczanie Polish Dance Ensemble will perform at the county fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 26. Photo courtesy of Lowiczanie Polish Dance Ensemble

The Lowiczanie Polish Dance Ensemble, based in San Francisco, will make its debut performance in Crescent City next week, courtesy of its sponsor, St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Twenty vivacious dancers, musicians and entertainers will show Del Norters how to party Polish-style at the fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The family-friendly event with an Oktoberfest flair will start shortly after 6 p.m., when a whirl of festive colors and sounds will fill the Del Norte County Fairgrounds’ main hall.

The romantic and evocative dances from Lowiczanie’s repertoire will include a wide selection of traditional dances, songs and music, complete with full regalia — floral hair wreaths, ribbons and skirts of velvet and brocade for the women and jangling coin belts and decorative hats for the men. Vigorously displayed choreography will highlight knee-work and other acrobatics from the men in some of the selections.

A full Polish dinner will be served during intermission, including Polish beer and vodka.

“Authentic Polish sausage imported from Chicago,” is just one of the dishes to be served, said Father Adam Kotas of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Diners can also enjoy sauerkraut, Polish-style potatoes, rye bread, traditional cucumber salad, hunter’s stew and an Eastern European “surprise dessert.”

“This night of educational entertainment is a chance for people to be able to get a sense and taste of Polish culture,” said Father Adam. “To experience that in Crescent City is pretty incredible.”

Tickets cost $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased at the parish office at 440 Third St. weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the church’s website, sjccc.net using Paypal, or at Del Norte Office Supply. Call 465-1762 for more information.